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Ulster's very own fellowship were in action this week for the Ireland and Ireland 'A' teams, and each and every one had great success.

Gary Longwell came off the bench for Ireland in Landsdowne Road against Scotland on Saturday, and immediately became an important part of the team. David Humphreys was one of the most key players for the Ireland squad who defeated Scotland 43-22 in the packed Dublin ground.

The remaining 7 players were playing for the Ireland 'A' side who beat Scotland 'A', and consequently won the Triple Crown, on Friday night at Ravenhill in Belfast. Wallace, Shields, Doak, Howe & Best all started for Ireland 'A', while Ward & Coulter began the match on the bench. Both players made it to the pitch during the match, and both playing exceptionally well. And to top the 60-3 trouncing of the Scottish side, Ward & Wallace scored the team's final 2 tries of the evening.

However, it wasn't the fantastic playing and outstanding achievements of the nine that inspired me to write this report, although congratulating them in it seems necessary! The actions, both on & off the pitch,of the Ulster representatives on the Ireland 'A' side stood out to me. Ulster are well-known for their large fanbase, & are always appreciated when they take time out to talk to their fans. There has also been a good sense of friendship within the team. Both of these loved qualities of the team members was shown on Friday night, which I think made the Ulster players more loved.

I noticed that while the Ulster players were waiting on the bench, either to be substituted, or if they had come off injured, they took time to sign autographs for the fans waiting nearby. Some examples of players doing this were Tyrone Howe, Andy Ward & Simon Best. And even those not involved in the game were happy to spend a few moments with fans - Jeremy Davidson, only a spectator for the evening, stopped for fans during the match.

The second 'incident', which really showed the friendship within the team, was when Paul Shields was badly injured during the match. When the referee called for the stretcher, team-mate Simon Best, who had already been substituted, came onto the field and helped to carry his friend off the pitch. How many other players would do that for their team-mates?

The last, and final obvious event, occurred after Paddy Wallace's try, and really showed the solidarity within the Ulster team. Once Wallace had scored his try, the remainder of the team returned to their half, preparing for the restart. However, both Andy Ward & Sheldon Coulter remained with their team-mate & friend, walking back to their half & congratulating him.

I really felt that these things should be brought to the attention of the public; it shows how close the team are, and that they aren't just doing a job. It also shows their loyalty to the fans, which I think is very important and much appreciated. And where did I come up with the Ulster-Ireland representatives' nickname - well, what can I say, I'm a huge Lord of the Rings fan!!

Gemma